‘We are not giving NPFL players opportunity to prove their worth in the Super Eagles’ – Adeboye Onigbinde
Veteran coach Adeboye Onigbinde says Nigeria Premier Football League [NPFL] players are not getting enough opportunity to prove their worth in the Super Eagles team.
The former Super Eagles coach, has expressed optimism about the potential impact of players from the Nigerian league will make on the senior national team ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria has been drawn into Group A alongside Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea for the tournament.
Despite limited opportunities for NPFL players to showcase their abilities in the Super Eagles under coach Jose Peseiro, Onigbinde believes they have the potential to make a significant difference.
He highlighted the example of Sunday Mba, who played in the NPFL and delivered a crucial goal in the 2013 AFCON final against Burkina Faso, helping Nigeria secure the trophy.
Onigbinde emphasized the need to provide NPFL players with opportunities in the Super Eagles, citing the success story of Mba as evidence that homegrown talents can contribute to the national team’s success.
He advocated for consideration two or three NPFL players in the Super Eagles squad as they prepare for the upcoming AFCON, emphasizing the talent and capabilities of grassroots players.
“I am still optimistic that players in the NPFL can make a big difference in the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, ” Onigbinde told COMPLETESPORT.
” We should not forget in a hurry that the last Nation Cup trophy Nigeria won was thanks to Sunday Mba’s goal in the final against Burkina Faso.
“He was a player in the NPFL and the few times he was called upon he distinguished himself and gave us the trophy when it matters most.
” What I am saying is that we have not giving the NPFL players the opportunity to prove their worth in the Super Eagles.
“There is nothing wrong if we decide to use two or three NPFL players in the Super Eagles as we prepare for AFCON. Like you, I will continue to advocate for grassroots players because I know they can do it.”
Onigbinde was in charge of the Nigeria national team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, where then Enyimba goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama was given the chance to man the goal for Eagles the final group game vs England.
Menawhile, Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2023 AFCON reportedly has three NPFL goalkeepers with no outfield player given a chance.
